The 26-year-old holding midfielder, who started Brazil’s World Cup clash against Mexico earlier this week, has plenty of suitors, according to The Daily Express, with Manchester United and Arsenal leading the pack.

Barcelona and Monaco are also mentioned as possible landing spots but an English landing spot is looking more likely. His price is expected to be around $48 million.

Meanwhile, Samuel Eto’s has changed his tune about his next destination - with a move to Serie A looking likely, says The Daily Express.

The Cameroon captain left Chelsea in the off-season and expressed a desire to join up with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

But with Wenger looking at other potential targets, Eto’o is set on a move to Italy, with AS Roma looking a distinct possibility, with a weekly weage in excess off $100,000 being mooted.

EPL giants want slice of defender

Fresh off signing Cesc Fabregas and close to wrapping up Diego Costa’s signature, Chelsea have now moved into favouritism to bring in AS Roma’s central defender Mehdi Benatia, according to The Daily Star.

But manager Jose Mourinho can expect a real dogfight for the Moroccan’s services.

Manchester City are already trumpeting his impending arrival, according to The Daily Express, while Bayern Munich had a $58 million bid recently rejected.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked as well.

Could Antonio Valencia end up at Anfield?Source:AFP

The Old Trafford Fire Sale?

With so much uncertainty surrounding comings and goings at Old Trafford while new manager Louis van Gaal is away at the World Cup, it’s no wonder EPL rivals are circling for any potential bargain.

Liverpool, for one, are ready to strike and are reportedly preparing a $15 million bid for midfielder Antonio Valencia, according to The Daily Express.

The 28-year-old endured an indifferent campaign for the Red Devils last season and there is doubt about where he would feature in Van Gaal’s new-look squad.

Meanwhile, The Daily Star says a Merseyside battle is brewing over the services of QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia.

The 28-year-old is currently playing for Cameroon in Brazil but with their early exit confirmed on Thursday (EST), a deal could come together reasonably quickly.

But in some disappointing news for Liverpool, Rubin Kazan’s French midfielder Yann M’Vila has turned down a move to Anfield and is in talks with Italian outfit Inter Milan.

Hawthorns hotspot

West Bromwich Albion may not be in the same rumour class as some of the big guns, but that won’t stop new manager Alan Irvine from reshaping his squad.

The Baggies are not only set to win the Joleon Lescott swepstakes but are also hot on the tail of Manchester City outcast Jack Rodwell, according to The Daily Star.

Rodwell has failed to make any sort of impact at City since his big-money move from Everton two years ago.

Irvine is exploring a season-long loan deal which would allow the 23-year-old to re-launch his career.

They are also considering a move for Kieran Richardson, according to The Birmingham Mail.

Richardson, who once played a season on loan at The Hawthorns, is currently with relegated Fulham.